Fire Technology
18 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
FTEC 109 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout emergency service.
FTEC 111 Fire Protection Organization
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FIRE 100, FIRE 100 X
Provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
FTEC 112 Fire Prevention Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FIRE 110, FIRE 110 X
Designed for the new student, the course provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.
FTEC 113 Fire Protection Equipment and Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FIRE 120, FIRE 120 X
Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
FTEC 117 Preparing to be a Firefighter
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the fire department employment process. Course includes what firefighters do, how firefighters are selected, memory and observation, tool knowledge, shop arithmetic, mechanical insight, mechanical knowledge, hydraulic calculations using mathematic formulas, calculation of square footage, cubic footage, percent of slopes, interpretation of symbols, spatial relations, map reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, tables, charts, graphs, physical ability testing, resume preparation, fire department applications, and oral interviewing.
FTEC 125 Hazardous Materials First Responder Operation
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 36 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prepares the student to respond to hazardous materials incidents in a safe and competent manner at the operational level. Includes recognition and safety, containment and protective actions, scene management, legal aspects, and other information appropriate to this level of hazardous materials incident management.
FTEC 170 First Responder Fitness and Wellness I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
This course introduces students to the physical fitness requirements of firefighting and emergency response. Students will engage in cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training tailored to the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and fire academy readiness. Additional topics include injury prevention, stress management, hydration, and nutrition for optimal performance. Designed for students pursuing Fire Technology and Emergency Medical Services careers, this course builds foundational skills for occupational wellness and success in physically demanding training environments.
FTEC 171 First Responder Fitness and Wellness II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of FTEC 170.
This course is a continuation of FTEC 170 and emphasizes advanced firefighter and first responder fitness training. Students engage in high-intensity cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and functional movement patterns directly aligned with fire academy and occupational standards. Topics include advanced injury prevention, recovery techniques, nutrition for sustained performance, behavioral health, and long-term wellness planning. Designed to prepare students for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), fire academy, and the physical demands of emergency service careers.
FTEC 199 Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-8
- Hours
- 432 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students must also attend a scheduled orientation or meet individually with the supervising instructor for an individual orientation. Work Experience Education is supervised employment designed to provide students a realistic learning experience through work. The ultimate goal is to teach students skills and attitudes that will equip them to function and adapt as an employee in a variety of situations and jobs. Work Experience Education is supervised employment extending classroom-based occupational learning in an on-the-job learning situation related to the students' educational major or occupational goal. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to eight units per semester.
FTEC 211 Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FIRE 140, FIRE 140 X
Theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.
FTEC 212 Building Construction for the Fire Service
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- FIRE 130, FIRE 130 X
The study of the components of building construction that relate to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.
FTEC 215 Rescue Practices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111.
General and specific rescue applications ranging in complexity from simple to extremely complex. Includes rescue scene management, rescue vehicle and equipment, rope rescue, structural collapse rescue, elevator rescue, confined space rescue, water and ice rescue, trench rescue, and other special rescue situations.
FTEC 290A Physical Fitness and Ability for the Firefighter
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrolment in FTEC 295A. This course is designed to give in-service firefighters and interested students information about conditioning and fire department physical ability test designs and will include manipulative drills in order to be successful in passing California PAT's (Physical Abilities Tests).
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide information on the most recently developed tests in Southern California including the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) and the Biddle (Biddle and Associate Validated Test). Students will learn about firefighter wellness programs, review basic nutrition and current NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards pertaining to firefighter health and safety. Student must be able to lift 75lbs., drag a 150 pound "drag dummy", and use a sledge hammer in completion of a physical abilities test.
FTEC 290B Physical Fitness and Ability for the Firefighter
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of FTEC 290A and completion of or concurrent enrolment in FTEC 295B. This course is designed to give in-service firefighters and interested students information about conditioning and fire department physical ability test designs and will include manipulative drills in order to be successful in passing California PAT's (Physical Abilities Tests).
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide information on the most recently developed tests in Southern California including the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) and the Biddle (Biddle and Associate Validated Test). Students will learn about firefighter wellness programs, review basic nutrition and current NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards pertaining to firefighter health and safety. Student must be able to perform Advanced firefighter activities including climbing, using sledge hammers, dragging 150lb dummies and wearing a self contained breathing apparatus.
FTEC 295A Firefighter 1 Academy Module A
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 144 lecture hours, 144 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in FTEC 295AL.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Academy requires physical exertion, lifting of 40 or more pounds, ability to climb ladders, walk in irregular terrain, and pass Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Prerequisite Completion of FTEC 111. Combined with FTEC 295B provides the student with the knowledge to meet California State Fire Training requirements for a Firefighter 1 Academy. This coursework is the first step toward Firefighter 1 Certification. Combines classroom coursework with hands on training. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: history and development of the fire service, organization command and control, communications and alarms, fire behavior, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, portable fire extinguishers, water supply, fire hose and appliances, nozzles and fire streams, and protective systems. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.
FTEC 295AL Firefighter 1 Academy Module A Lab
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in FTEC 295A.
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Academy requires physical exertion, lifting of 40 or more pounds, ability to climb ladders, walk in irregular terrain, and pass Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Laboratory course designed to accompany FTEC 295A lecture. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college, approximately $3200.
FTEC 295B Firefighter 1 Academy Module B
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 144 lecture hours, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of FTEC 295A and FTEC 295AL.
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in FTEC 295BL.
- Transfers to
- CSU
The academy requires physical exertion, lifting of 40 or more pounds, ability to climb ladders, walk in irregular terrain, and pass Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Combined with FTEC 295A, 295B provides the student with the knowledge to meet California State Fire Training requirements for a Firefighter 1 Academy. This course is the second step toward Firefighter 1 Certification. The course combines classroom coursework with hands on training. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: building construction, ladders, ropes and knots, rescue procedures, forcible entry, ventilation, fire suppression, salvage, fire cause determination, fire prevention, first aid, hazardous materials, and terrorism awareness. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college, approximately $3200.00.
FTEC 295BL Firefighter 1 Academy Module B Lab
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours, 162 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of FTEC 295A and FTEC 295AL.
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in FTEC 295B.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This academy requires physical exertion, lifting of 40 or more pounds, ability to climb ladders, walk in irregular terrain, and pass Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Laboratory course designed to accompany FTEC 295B lecture. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.